Pledged to a Highlander (Highland Promise Trilogy 1)

Finally, he could take no more. “You are far too quiet, wife.”

Oria sighed. “I am at a loss.”

“You’ve run out of words?” he teased and he was glad he got a smile from her and that she returned the tease.

“You wish.”

“Never,” he said with a hardy laugh. “I love when we talk. I used to talk with you in my dreams. Have conversations in my mind with you. It’s such a pleasure to finally be able to truly talk with you.”

Oria’s eyes brightened. “I did the same. I would talk with you in my head night after night.”

“What did we talk about?”

“I would tell you about my day, make light of some things that happened, and always I would tell you how much I loved you and missed you and how I couldn’t wait until you returned home to me and we would build a life together.”

Tears filled her eyes and Royden pulled her into his arms. “I heard your words, Oria. Every night I heard you tell me you loved me and missed me and I said the same to you. Our love helped us then and it will help us now. We’ll see this problem through together.”

Oria hugged him and kept her face pressed against his chest. It was warm and hard, his scent comforting as well as the strong, steady beat of his heart. She wanted to linger there in his arms. Actually, she wouldn’t have minded if they snuck off to their bedchamber and got lost in making love. It was the one time her mind was so consumed with passion that there was no room for other thoughts. But that wouldn’t do right now. She needed to address this problem. She needed to find the truth.

She reluctantly and slowly moved out of her husband’s arms, though she could feel his reluctance to let her go. He held her firm and she was about to surrender to the comfort his embrace offered when she heard the creak of the Great Hall door opening.

“I’m sorry to disturb,” Aine said, looking hesitant to approach.

Oria sat straight, though didn’t move completely out of her husband’s arms, which pleased Royden. He wanted everyone to know how strong their love was for each other.

“Not at all,” Oria encouraged. “What brings you to the keep?”

“Ross told me that you spoke with him about your da,” Aine said, measuring her words as she went.

“Do you know something?” Oria asked eagerly and was disappointed when Aine shook her head, though hope returned when she spoke.

“I don’t, but I might know someone who does.”

“Who?” Oria asked, excitement in not only her response but her eyes that widened at the news.

“Do you remember Old Henry, Mistress Oria?” Aine asked.

Oria nodded. “I do, I had hoped to talk with him when I was at the MacGlennen keep, but I never got the chance.”

“Old Henry is a good man. He wanted to come here with you. But so many families wanted to go with you, he felt it was only right the younger ones went before him. Anyway, I lose myself when I should be telling you that if anyone would know anything about your da, Old Henry would. He and your da talked often. I think it was because Old Henry was around when your grandfather was alive and your da could talk to him about old times and family. Many believe Old Henry knows all the MacGlennen secrets or so the wagging tongues say. I would agree, though, since he’s never been one to reveal much of what anyone says to him. I don’t know if this helps, but Ross said I should tell you.”

“It helps greatly, Aine, and I’m glad you told me,” Oria said.

Oria turned to her husband after Aine left. “I need to talk with Henry.”

“Why don’t I have him brought here,” Royden suggested, knowing if he saw Firth again, he’d kill him.

“Trevor might object, which would delay me being able to talk with Henry.” She never called him Old Henry, having grown accustomed to hearing her da simply call him Henry.

“The man is of no value to Trevor. I don’t see any reason why he would object to Old Henry coming here,” Royden argued.

“What if he does out of spite? You beat him in a sword match and people lined up to leave there, then you slashed Firth’s face. I don’t think he’s going to be too keen on obliging you.”

She had a point and it was important they find out the truth about her da before the rumors grew so large they couldn’t be stopped.

“We’ll go tomorrow,” he said.

She smiled with glee though it faded fast. “You won’t make trouble with Firth?”

“I won’t make trouble, but I will inquire about the man and if he’s still there I’ll make certain he keeps his distance from you.”